is it difuicult to add power steering to a non P/S truck

65 Custom Cab

any info would be helpfull

Thanks again

 

We need to know if your '65 is Twin I-beam or solid front axle to give some specific recommendations. There are some of both in 1965 that I have seen.

 

65 did not have solid axle. This was the first year of the twin beams.
From what I have read here, you can do this by swapping in the box, pump ans such from an early 70's truck.

 

Do search for the following users and their posts on this subject. There is a wealth of information about this. All of these have done the swaps.
banjopicker66
jowilker
willowbilly3
There is more out there, too.
Good luck, and don't hesitate to ask more questions!

 

Speaking of which, what happened to Jowilker? He has been absent from this site for a while.

 

Glen,

It's an easy upgrade far as installation is concerned. Everything will align & bolt up fairly easily. The big problem is locating engine brackets & pulleys IF you have an FE Engine. They're harder and harder to come by anymore.

It's KEY to get same "style - model- year" Pump & box. In past, FoMoCo used a few systems. System used from 73 - 79 generally was saginaw box & saginaw "slipper type" P/S Pump. This set up is IMHO preferable & one I want/use. Slipper type pumps reduce PSI output as RPMs increase. Reduced PSI @ speed does 2 things I consider important.

1, Provides "road feel" at higher speeds rather than the feeling the vehicle is "tip toeing" along. This provides both stability & the need for conscious applied effort to steer at higher speeds.

2, Lower sustained, constant, PSI @ higher RPM reduces pump & line problems/ leaks.

73-9 systems use a small, finned, cooling "radiator" inline on the
return/ low pressure side from P/S Box to Pump. I recommend it be retained-used. It takes sting & damaging, excess, heat, out of P/S Fluid. That increases seal & O'Ring life to some degree. This Cooler is not req'd for operation/ performance but as I said it will increase longevity over all, if left in system.

Since what we're discussing is an upgrade/ "Retro Fit" for 60's, FoMoCo, eFFy's, it's tough to walk into parts store or jobber & get P/S Hoses. They want Make Model & Year of vehicle, then nothing comes on screen, or worse comes up @ 60's, slave type, Power, Steering Assist, which is totally wrong. Output or high PSI side req's a high PSI hose but return is a low psi side and does not. You have 2 options for the hoses.

Your options are get correct hoses for donor vehicle the System came from, [ ie: 75 F150 w/ 360CID FE V8, or whatever] at a Parts House/ Jpbber. Or, as I learned to do, have high PSI hoses custom made @ Hydraulic Equipment Repair Shop. Most Hydraulic Equipment Shops have the capacity to make hoses. The Fittings & threads etc are standard Hyd Fittings & threads. I've found in my area it's cheaper & easier than getting one from a Parts Jobber.


Last 3 points, there is/ are major differences between 4X4 & 4X2 P/S Systems. Some folks consider the front Axle of a 4X4 as a solid, or single axle, which it technically is, but generally the way to refer or ID it is as 4X4, not single/ solid axle. If front end alignment is out, or there is excess wear in linkage, P/S exacerbates or amplifies the problems.

Like krosati alluded to, all 2 wheel Drives 65's are Twin I's.
I'll add 65's same basic chassis, model for model & wheel base for wheel base, through FoMoCos' 1979 F series production run. It is this fact that makes these "Slicks" easy to retro/upgrade & put into the 21st century. . . With Class!

Hey, Good Luck, and if you need help? Just ask, we're here.
FBp

 

It's not hard, but take some time. Locate a parts truck, like Fordboypete said. 73-79 will interchange.

I used a 73 F150 XLT that had a 360 in it. You will need the steering column, knuckle, pump, high pressure line and mounting bracket. Also, you will need the lower and upper pulleys from the truck as well. You can do it in a weekend with some help. Sure is worth the effort! I did power steering and power brakes at the same time and it is worth it.

 

I used the pump,hoses,ps gear box and pitman arm from a 77 f150. they just bolted right up no problem. Then i used a tilt column from a 70 f150

 

I used the pump,hoses,ps gear box and pitman arm from a 77 f150. they just bolted right up no problem. Then i used a tilt column from a 79 f150